Evelyn Anna and Frank Malus

EVELYN MALUS 92, of Plantation, FL passed away on Monday, July 6th, 2015. Evelyn’s husband, FRANK MALUS 92, had passed away previously on Monday, December 5th, 2011. Since that day, Evelyn’s interest in life and health slowly declined, as her only wish was to join him. On July 6th, her 3 1/2-year wish was finally fulfilled. Frank Joseph Malus was born in Czechoslovakia on October 26th, 1919, and emigrated through Ellis Island to New York at the age of four. He grew up in NY and later served in the U.S. Army as a Corporal during World War II. Once he was honorably discharged, Frank trained and pursued his life-long career as a Master Carpenter. Evelyn Malus was born in New York as Evelyn Anna Hornicek on March 3rd, 1923. She also grew up in NY where she met the love of her life, Frank, while she worked after school at the Czech Pavilion in 1939-40 World’s Fair in New York when she was just 16 years old. They both were members of several Czech clubs in Manhattan where they pursued their passion together for dancing and doing shows, even performing together at Madison Square Garden. After four years of courtship and engagement, Evelyn and Frank got married on June 19th, 1943. During their engagement, however, Frank was suddenly called away to serve in the U.S. Army, but was granted a 3-day pass to go home and get married. He then took his bride back to Camp Lee in Virginia where she, too, applied for a job at the camp. Once Frank completed his years of service in the Army, he began carpentry training in NY while Evelyn was home raising their two small children. They purchased land in CT in 1949 where, in 1951, Frank began building their home by himself from the ground up, which took 5 years, while also working full time for a local builder. They had a good life on Candlewood Hills in New Fairfield, raising two children near beautiful Candlewood Lake. Once both children were teenagers, Evelyn decided to also get a job and worked at American Cyanamid for over 10 years. In 1975, Frank and Evelyn chose to move South and retire in Sunrise, FL. They purchased a new home and lived there until they relocated to their final home in Lauderdale West in 1988. Frank became a very active member of their Hobby Shop where his master carpentry skills were put to good use for this community, including the original sign posts in 1989 that stood at their entry ways. Frank eventually became manager of the Hobby Shop from 1995-2000. Evelyn had a few part-time jobs and also became a realtor, but truly enjoyed just being a good homemaker. They both participated in many community activities at Lauderdale West and were commonly known at ‘The Dancers’ during all of the social events. They loved their home and lifestyle at Lauderdale West. For almost their last 15 years, Frank and Evelyn were being increasingly cared for by their (local) immediate family, who consisted of their daughter Lorraine Caporaso, son-in-law Joseph Caporaso, granddaughter Lori Caporaso, granddaughter Lisa (Caporaso) Keller and her husband Bobby Keller. Their out-of-state son, Ronald, and his family kept in contact with phone calls, cards, photos and visits when they could. Once Frank was gone and Evelyn could no longer live alone safely, granddaughter Lori Caporaso offered to move in with her grandmother and be her main caregiver until Evelyn passed away. Frank and Evelyn Malus were blessed with a long marriage of 68 1/2 years and will be missed by all. They are survived by the above-mentioned immediate family and also by their son Ronald Malus of West Virginia and daughter-in-law Maggie Malus, plus granddaughter Tricia (Malus) Greene and her husband Derek Greene and great granddaughter Lauren Greene. They are additionally survived by their grandson Eric Malus, his wife Brittany Malus and great grandchildren Amelia and Avery Malus. Frank is also survived by his sister Mary Durec and brother-in-law Marty Durec, plus nieces and nephews. Evelyn is also survived by her sister Emilie Kotrba plus nieces and nephews. The will be remembered together at South Florida VA National Cemetery on Friday, July 24 at 2:45 PM. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the service. Cremation arrangments by T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home. 954 587-6888